Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, a section of the Virupaksha temple in Karnataka collapsed due to heavy rains. The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Virupaksha Temple is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, showcasing Hampi’s historical and architectural glory. Hampi is a temple town in South India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The Virupaksha temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built by Lakkan Dandesha, a chieftain of ruler Paruda Deva Raya during the Vijayanagara rule. Also known as the Pampapathi temple, it is the oldest surviving structure amidst the ruins of Hampi. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

A recent study by the University of Kerala's Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries found alarming levels of microplastic pollution in the Ashtamudi Lake. Ashtamudi Lake, also known as Ashtamudi Kayal, is a lake in the Kollam district of Kerala. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

The name Ashtamudi comes from the Malayalam words Ashta meaning "eight" and Mudi meaning "peaks" or "branches".  The lake has eight arms or channels and its shape has been described as both palm-shaped and octopus-shaped. The lake is fed by the Kallada River, which originates in the Western Ghats. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

In 2012, Ashtamudi Lake was designated a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, the Tamil Nadu forest department commenced a three-day-long elephant census at Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. This Tiger Reserve is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu at the junction of the Eastern and the Western Ghats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Biodiversity. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It is contiguous with the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Established as a tiger reserve in 2013 under the Wildlife Protection Act of India, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve holds a prestigious protected area status, dedicated to preserving its rich biodiversity and flagship species. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: A

Explanation:

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) member states have adopted a historic new treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. The World Intellectual Property Organisation treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources (GR), and associated traditional knowledge (ATK) is a significant achievement for the global South and India. Hence, statement I is correct.

India, a mega biodiversity hotspot with abundant traditional knowledge, has been a major advocate for this treaty. The treaty will safeguard and protect biodiversity and increase transparency in the patent system. It aims to strengthen innovation by ensuring that the IP system continues to incentivise innovation while evolving inclusively. Hence, statement II is correct.

Here, statement I and II both are correct and statement –II is the correct explanation of statement-I. Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur has congratulated Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) alumnus Payal Kapadia for winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her film. The Grand Prix is the second most prestigious award at the Cannes Film Festival, following the Palme d'Or. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

In the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, held in 2024, Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia won the Grand Prix for her film "All We Imagine as Light". Payal Kapadia's win also coincides with a nomination in the Palme d’Or category for an Indian film after 30 years. Hence, statement 2 is correct.